Therapeutic Laser Flashcards
What are the 3 characteristics of “true” lasers?
Monochromatic
Coherent
Collimated
What type of laser is in our lab?
AlGaAs
Aluminum Gallium Arsenide
IIIb, 1M, 4
Explain what it means if a laser is monochromatic.
The wavelengths are the same frequency and color.
Explain what it means if a laser is coherent.
Multiple electromagnetic waves with the same wave length are in fixed phase with one another (Rounds in a song - noncoherent)
Explain what it means if a laser is collimated.
It is a focused, less divergent beam
What are characteristics of diodes?
Monochromatic
Non-coherent
More divergent - longer to deliver energy to targeted tissue
Difference between LEDs vs. SLDs
LEDs - emit visible light
SLDs - emit brighter LED
Diodes vs. Lasers
Lasers - light is further processed to created more energy, more photons to smaller area, more energy delivered at a quicker rate
Diodes - less effective on penetrating tissue, take significantly longer to deliver energy, non-coherent
What is a photon?
A particle of light
Basis for radiant energy
When is Cryotherapy best used in conjunction with laser?
Cryotherapy before Laser
Limits bloods ability to steal photons through vasoconstriction
What are the 3 mechanisms in which light acts when absorbed by tissue?
- Excitement of electron bonds causes molecule to change shape /break (3b & 4)
- Excitement of atoms causes movement which may lead to heat (3b & 4)
- Atoms may rotate causing potential temperature changes ( 4)
When are Massage or Traction best used in conjunction with Laser?
Before or after
They only affect superficial tissue without changing temperature
What pathologies has the FDA approved laser therapy for?
Minor muscle and joint pain Muscle spasms Pain and stiffness Promote relaxation of muscle tissue Temporary increase of localized blood flow
What are the concerns with skin color and obesity when using laser?
Skin color- Melanin absorbs light well, more skin absorption=less penetration
Obesity - thicker subcutaneous layer=less penetration
What are the relative contraindications with laser?
Tattoos - specifically black ink
What effects does pulsed mode have on total power produced?
Decreases
What are the precautions with laser?
Clothing - especially those with dyes
Skin Color
Obesity
What is the primary function of therapeutic laser?
Photobiomodulation - modify biological processes with light
Modifies pain and/or the healing process
What are the potential benefits of Laser?
Decreases in inflammatory process Analgesic Accelerated tissue repair and cell growth Increased vascular activity Increased metabolic activity Trigger and acupuncture points Decreases scar tissue formation Immunoregulation Wound healing Increase nerve function - cell regeneration/reconnection
What affects the limited depth of preparation of lasers?
Power
Wavelength - longer the wavelength and the deeper the penetration
Describe Scanning technique.
Treatment area is large as wound attempting to heal
Laser is not in contact with skin
Slow, slow steady pace covering entire treatment area
How is dosage calculated?
(average power x Rx time) / rx area
Given in Joules/cm
How do you calculate treatment time for gridding?
(dosage x beam area) / power
When is Thermotherapy best used in conjunction with Laser?
Laser and then cryotherapy
Laser allows vasodilation increasing light absorption and deeper heat penetration
